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Zodiac: Have you read your horrorscope today?
'This is an evil and twisted novel that has you racing towards the end. A definite must-read.
If you only read one thriller this year, make it this one....'
🌙🔪 ZODIAC – The Dark New Horror Thriller from Bestselling Author Conrad Jones 🔪🌙
"This is an evil and twisted novel that has you racing towards the end. A definite must-read. If you only read one thriller this year, make it this one..."
When a dog walker stumbles upon a dismembered limb in Delamere Forest, Liverpool is plunged into a waking nightmare. Detective Chief Inspector Olivia Mann takes the lead—but the deeper she digs, the darker the truth becomes.
🩸 Grotesque murders of vulnerable young women.
🩸 Symbols carved into flesh—clues to a ritualistic killer.
🩸 A city shaken by knife crime, teenage stabbings, and gang violence.
🩸 A powerful organised crime group pulling strings in the shadows.
Each victim adds another thread to a web of horror—and as Olivia races against time, she is forced into the underbelly of Liverpool’s criminal world, where betrayal, fear, and blood rule the streets. The clock is ticking, the killer is escalating, and the forest hides more secrets than anyone dares imagine.
💀 ZODIAC isn’t just a thriller. It’s a descent into evil.
★★★★★ “One of the best thrillers I’ve read. If you like gripping and violent, this will enthrall you.”
★★★★★ “Outstanding!”
★★★★★ “A powerful and gritty read, not for the faint-hearted.”
★★★★★ “Jones is at the top of this genre. Zodiac is unmissable.”
⚠️ Dark. Relentless. Not for the squeamish.
📖 Available now – Dare you step into the forest?
#Zodiac #ConradJones #DarkThriller #CrimeFiction #Horror
★★★★★ One of the best thrillers I've read..If you like gripping and violent, this will enthrall you.
★★★★★ Outstanding!
★★★★★ A powerful and gritty read, not for the faint-hearted.
★★★★★ Jones is at the top of this genre. Zodiac is unmissable.
"This is an evil and twisted novel that has you racing towards the end. A definite must-read. If you only read one thriller this year, make it this one..."
When a dog walker stumbles upon a dismembered limb in Delamere Forest, Liverpool is plunged into a waking nightmare. Detective Chief Inspector Olivia Mann takes the lead—but the deeper she digs, the darker the truth becomes.
🩸 Grotesque murders of vulnerable young women.
🩸 Symbols carved into flesh—clues to a ritualistic killer.
🩸 A city shaken by knife crime, teenage stabbings, and gang violence.
🩸 A powerful organised crime group pulling strings in the shadows.
Each victim adds another thread to a web of horror—and as Olivia races against time, she is forced into the underbelly of Liverpool’s criminal world, where betrayal, fear, and blood rule the streets. The clock is ticking, the killer is escalating, and the forest hides more secrets than anyone dares imagine.
💀 ZODIAC isn’t just a thriller. It’s a descent into evil.
★★★★★ “One of the best thrillers I’ve read. If you like gripping and violent, this will enthrall you.”
★★★★★ “Outstanding!”
★★★★★ “A powerful and gritty read, not for the faint-hearted.”
★★★★★ “Jones is at the top of this genre. Zodiac is unmissable.”
⚠️ Dark. Relentless. Not for the squeamish.
📖 Available now – Dare you step into the forest?
#Zodiac #ConradJones #DarkThriller #CrimeFiction #Horror
★★★★★ One of the best thrillers I've read..If you like gripping and violent, this will enthrall you.
★★★★★ Outstanding!
★★★★★ A powerful and gritty read, not for the faint-hearted.
★★★★★ Jones is at the top of this genre. Zodiac is unmissable.
- GenresHorror
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 2, 2024
182 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
Conrad Jones
128 books399 followersConrad Jones is a best-selling thriller writer with 30 thriller novels.
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
The Anglesey Murders 10 books
The Soft Target Series 6 books
The Detective Alec Ramsay Series 6 books
The Inspector Braddick Series 4 books
The Journey Series 3 books
Cuckoos on the Mersey
18 of his books are available in audio and his novels have been translated into six languages.
He is always keen to talk to readers and writers alike, jonesconrad5@aol.com
FaceBook Conrad Jones Author
Twitter @ConradJones
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
March 27, 2025
Dark and distressing!
This was a very dark and violent police procedural thriller that followed the progress of Liverpool detectives as they hunted a deranged and sadistic serial killer. Organised criminal drug gangs, youth knife crime, sexual grooming gangs, torture, violent public disorder and even, cannibalism. You certainly need a strong stomach to read this story. However, it was an exciting and compulsive read, but this story isn't for everyone.
This was a very dark and violent police procedural thriller that followed the progress of Liverpool detectives as they hunted a deranged and sadistic serial killer. Organised criminal drug gangs, youth knife crime, sexual grooming gangs, torture, violent public disorder and even, cannibalism. You certainly need a strong stomach to read this story. However, it was an exciting and compulsive read, but this story isn't for everyone.
April 11, 2025
What a compulsive read!
But it may not be for everyone.
It’s about a sadistic serial killer.
It’s really dark and violent.
But there are lots of topics in this book: grooming children, drug dealers, sexual abuse, juvenile crimes, rage causing riot…
The development and timeline structure are excellent, and so is the writing and storytelling.
It wasn’t completely flawless, but I did like this work.
The writing was solid, except for a couple of times where felt a bit juvenile.
And I thought that the conclusion was rushed.
Overall, despite some gruesome moments, this was quite entertaining.
This was my second book by this author and I do own several more, unread.
But it may not be for everyone.
It’s about a sadistic serial killer.
It’s really dark and violent.
But there are lots of topics in this book: grooming children, drug dealers, sexual abuse, juvenile crimes, rage causing riot…
The development and timeline structure are excellent, and so is the writing and storytelling.
It wasn’t completely flawless, but I did like this work.
The writing was solid, except for a couple of times where felt a bit juvenile.
And I thought that the conclusion was rushed.
Overall, despite some gruesome moments, this was quite entertaining.
This was my second book by this author and I do own several more, unread.
December 10, 2024
Wow if you like your books dark, this is for you. Conrad Jones is at the top of the list of my go to authors, shame he cannot write them quick enough for me.
A woman is out walking her dogs when they take off at a huge speed drawn by something unusual which has taken their attention. What they find will be the beginning of a harrowing time for DCI Mann and her team, a body buried deep in the ground. Soon more bodies are discovered and they realise that they have a ruthless serial killer on the loose. Told from different periods of time we are introduced to many characters who are very authentic, bringing the story to life.
This is a fantastic police thriller that was exceptionally well developed by the author. If you start to read this you will find the hours of your day slipping away, I found it extremely hard to put the book down. Lots of suspense and tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended.
A woman is out walking her dogs when they take off at a huge speed drawn by something unusual which has taken their attention. What they find will be the beginning of a harrowing time for DCI Mann and her team, a body buried deep in the ground. Soon more bodies are discovered and they realise that they have a ruthless serial killer on the loose. Told from different periods of time we are introduced to many characters who are very authentic, bringing the story to life.
This is a fantastic police thriller that was exceptionally well developed by the author. If you start to read this you will find the hours of your day slipping away, I found it extremely hard to put the book down. Lots of suspense and tension that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highly recommended.
April 15, 2025
There are many books that have a serial killer as the main character. I think this killer ranks up there with some of the worst fictional characters I have read about. This man was cold and calculating. He was able to confuse the police and the community for many years. He was also so insanely brutal in the attack on the women but no one could make any sense of his method for picking his victims. The twists in this book were phenomenal. I thought, several times, the person set up to be the killer turned out to be a distraction from who the real killer was. I felt the time jump made the story even more believable. The killer made his mistake when he could no longer put up with the incorrect people arrested for the crimes. His ego got the better of him. The ending was (chef’s kiss) amazing. He really thought he was going to get away with his crimes as well as the detective he was obsessed with. I would highly recommend this serial killer novel with an occult twist.
January 12, 2025
Firstly the opening chapter was immense! I loved it and knew it was going to be a dark, sadistic book which is how I like my crime thrillers. It’s so far removed from my everyday life that I can really fall into the fictional world of depravity and crime. I’m known for liking dark books and this absolutely is one for you if you like books on the darker side.
You can tell this author is well established in storytelling as both the characters and storyline are very well thought out and fully developed, it indeed had all the characters that were needed for this book to pull off this brilliantly written story.
I did find the timelines and amount of characters a struggle and recommend anyone who reads this to note timelines and characters down as you work your way through which is something I normally do however I was pulled straight into the storyline and regrettably didn’t do this.
What followed was one of the most grim books I’ve ever read and I absolutely loved it, it has content readers may find distressing but reading the blurb will pretty much tell you if it’s for you.
It had everything! A brilliant MO, a sadistic killer doing sadistic things and characters you can grieve for with sympathy for their pain. It reminded me of a cross between a Chris Carter novel and the movie Se7en.
This brilliantly written and executed novel was my first five star read of the year !
You can tell this author is well established in storytelling as both the characters and storyline are very well thought out and fully developed, it indeed had all the characters that were needed for this book to pull off this brilliantly written story.
I did find the timelines and amount of characters a struggle and recommend anyone who reads this to note timelines and characters down as you work your way through which is something I normally do however I was pulled straight into the storyline and regrettably didn’t do this.
What followed was one of the most grim books I’ve ever read and I absolutely loved it, it has content readers may find distressing but reading the blurb will pretty much tell you if it’s for you.
It had everything! A brilliant MO, a sadistic killer doing sadistic things and characters you can grieve for with sympathy for their pain. It reminded me of a cross between a Chris Carter novel and the movie Se7en.
This brilliantly written and executed novel was my first five star read of the year !
December 1, 2024
DCI Olivia Mann is sent to Delamere Forest after a body part is discovered, thanks to the incessant rain. The pressure on Mann and the team defies belief.
As the forensic team find more body parts, they realise a serial killer is on the prowl.
The story flits between different periods in time, and we learn about what has happened to those who have gone missing and why.
This is a dark and sinister read that was full of tension. The characters were believable and made me feel sad at how some members of society are treated by others.
Plenty of heart stopping and sinister moments. A story that got my brain ticking, trying to work out the puzzle of what was going on.
It is wonderful to see the author back and at full strength with outstanding stories.
As the forensic team find more body parts, they realise a serial killer is on the prowl.
The story flits between different periods in time, and we learn about what has happened to those who have gone missing and why.
This is a dark and sinister read that was full of tension. The characters were believable and made me feel sad at how some members of society are treated by others.
Plenty of heart stopping and sinister moments. A story that got my brain ticking, trying to work out the puzzle of what was going on.
It is wonderful to see the author back and at full strength with outstanding stories.
June 1, 2025
There’s so many excellent reviews for this, I had high hopes but honestly I just couldn’t wait to finish it.
I feel like giving it 1 star is too harsh but I didn’t enjoy it, it felt disjointed and unrealistic and I didn’t take to any of the characters.
It’s about a serial killer called the zodiac and there’s also a gang and crime theme as well as grooming weaved throughout.
I feel like giving it 1 star is too harsh but I didn’t enjoy it, it felt disjointed and unrealistic and I didn’t take to any of the characters.
It’s about a serial killer called the zodiac and there’s also a gang and crime theme as well as grooming weaved throughout.
April 26, 2025
Excellent Thriller
One of the best thrillers I've read in a while powerful, gritty, not for the faint hearted. The characters are well written and the storyline is excellent.
One of the best thrillers I've read in a while powerful, gritty, not for the faint hearted. The characters are well written and the storyline is excellent.
March 25, 2025
wow!
I saw a review that described this book as “utterly horrific”, and as a Chris Carter fan, knew I would like it! The characters are well written, and the storyline is excellent; I took a star off as there was a twist I saw coming. It also manages to portray the poverty and lengths people experience, and how they come to be in such situations so is realistic, as a social narrative; a serial killer able to pick his victims. Unfortunately it means I have a new author to follow, and 30+ books to read! Excellent book.
I saw a review that described this book as “utterly horrific”, and as a Chris Carter fan, knew I would like it! The characters are well written, and the storyline is excellent; I took a star off as there was a twist I saw coming. It also manages to portray the poverty and lengths people experience, and how they come to be in such situations so is realistic, as a social narrative; a serial killer able to pick his victims. Unfortunately it means I have a new author to follow, and 30+ books to read! Excellent book.
December 8, 2024
This exceptional police procedural is the best I've encountered this year; I read extensively in this genre. Conrad Jones masterfully crafts a complex murder investigation that maintains reader engagement and suspense until the conclusion. I eagerly anticipate a future novel featuring Detective Olivia Mann.
December 23, 2024
Great to read this book by Conrad Jones and see he’s back to full strength and mayhem.
The book was excellent. Dark, teasing, exactly what I like.
The team are dragged into this case and it’s horrific. They deal with it well. But the happenings are hard for them all.
We go to different timelines and it merges so well.
Wickedness and pulled me straight into it.
Really enjoyed it.
The book was excellent. Dark, teasing, exactly what I like.
The team are dragged into this case and it’s horrific. They deal with it well. But the happenings are hard for them all.
We go to different timelines and it merges so well.
Wickedness and pulled me straight into it.
Really enjoyed it.
December 5, 2024
Great great book
Loved loved this book..hope you write another about Olivia's cases!! This book has many ups and down and the story is all consuming!! Thanks for a great read!! I loved it!!
Loved loved this book..hope you write another about Olivia's cases!! This book has many ups and down and the story is all consuming!! Thanks for a great read!! I loved it!!
December 12, 2024
Zodiac ... wow!!!!
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. A twist I didn't expect as to who Zodiac finally was !! Graphically gruesome in places, but what would you expect from a horror-scope !!! Well done, Conrad, another masterpiece !! I would definitely recommend 👌
Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. A twist I didn't expect as to who Zodiac finally was !! Graphically gruesome in places, but what would you expect from a horror-scope !!! Well done, Conrad, another masterpiece !! I would definitely recommend 👌
December 26, 2024
Fantastic read.
January 13, 2025
Master piece
Loved this from beginning to end . Each chapter entwined with the other character flowing between each other. Very cleverly written. Kudos Conrad what a great book!
Loved this from beginning to end . Each chapter entwined with the other character flowing between each other. Very cleverly written. Kudos Conrad what a great book!
June 5, 2025
Zodiac begins with the old cliche of dog walker finding a body, however everything else about this book is so far away from being predictable as it sparks off a series of events and searches spanning years! DCI Olivia Mann is leading the team and the investigation, however they hit so many dead ends that you wonder if their break is ever going to happen especially given the insights that the reader has been given about the zodiac killer.
I have to admit that I struggled a bit initially with lots of characters and different storylines, however by halfway, it all began to make sense and i realisedhow cleverly plotted and written it was and I was desperate to see how the many plots would merge and plan out.
A word of warning that the language and brutal descriptions may not be to everyone's liking but, for me, it made things even more unsettling and dark. While its not a book to leave of Aunt Edna's chair, it's one that I'll be still thinking about for a while afterwards. Very well written and plotted and extremely graphic and I've already downloaded more from Conrad Jones and I wish him well in his personal battle against illness.
I have to admit that I struggled a bit initially with lots of characters and different storylines, however by halfway, it all began to make sense and i realisedhow cleverly plotted and written it was and I was desperate to see how the many plots would merge and plan out.
A word of warning that the language and brutal descriptions may not be to everyone's liking but, for me, it made things even more unsettling and dark. While its not a book to leave of Aunt Edna's chair, it's one that I'll be still thinking about for a while afterwards. Very well written and plotted and extremely graphic and I've already downloaded more from Conrad Jones and I wish him well in his personal battle against illness.
May 4, 2025
An addictive read. Beware...horrific crimes, violent, bloody and brutal. Like your books gritty? Then this is for you. Jumps around a bit but you'll soon get the gist as it's exceptionally well plotted. One particular character will leave your blood running cold! Be careful who you trust, evil could be sat next to you.
Edge of your seat reading once again Mr Jones. Oh, and I'm strictly a coffee drinker, can't mess with that....can you?
Edge of your seat reading once again Mr Jones. Oh, and I'm strictly a coffee drinker, can't mess with that....can you?
July 12, 2025
Very well written thriller.
Took a couple of chapters to really hook me, but when this story kicked into gear, it was very entertaining. Sadly, although a work of fiction, it does also act as a damning indictment of our midern society.
Believable characters throughout, and the situations. Fast paced story that hardly pauses for breath. If you like a good psychological thriller, with a touch of genuine horror thrown in, this is a great read.
Took a couple of chapters to really hook me, but when this story kicked into gear, it was very entertaining. Sadly, although a work of fiction, it does also act as a damning indictment of our midern society.
Believable characters throughout, and the situations. Fast paced story that hardly pauses for breath. If you like a good psychological thriller, with a touch of genuine horror thrown in, this is a great read.
December 21, 2024
Reading this book as just made me sad because I’ve read every single book by Conrad. I am really debating starting right from the beginning again. Always keeps me gripped. Dark and gritty, makes me want more. A thoroughly good read 👍
December 28, 2024
A fantastic read
Another great read from Conrad Jones. A few good twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't out this down until I had read it all. In one go.
Another great read from Conrad Jones. A few good twists and turns to keep you on the edge of your seat. I couldn't out this down until I had read it all. In one go.
February 10, 2025
Brilliant
I couldn't put the book down . It was gripping and I loved how it brought in characters from the other books. Some form shocking. I loved this book tho it was just as thrilling as the rest written by Conrad . Definitely a book to be read. J
I couldn't put the book down . It was gripping and I loved how it brought in characters from the other books. Some form shocking. I loved this book tho it was just as thrilling as the rest written by Conrad . Definitely a book to be read. J
July 13, 2025
Gripping Zodiac Story.
Conrad certainly knows how to write a good thriller. I’ve read lots of his books and they just seem to get better. I will start the next one today. Thank you Conrad.
Conrad certainly knows how to write a good thriller. I’ve read lots of his books and they just seem to get better. I will start the next one today. Thank you Conrad.
September 18, 2025
Great read
Have read a few of Conrads Jones books and they get more intriguing and powerful. Olivia Mann has finally caught her stalker after some hard work and the help of individuals whose loved ones died at the hands of the Zodiac.
Have read a few of Conrads Jones books and they get more intriguing and powerful. Olivia Mann has finally caught her stalker after some hard work and the help of individuals whose loved ones died at the hands of the Zodiac.
December 15, 2024
Evil and twisted
Conrad Jones at his best.
This is an evil and twisted novel that has you racing towards the end. A definite must read.
Conrad Jones at his best.
This is an evil and twisted novel that has you racing towards the end. A definite must read.
March 11, 2025
Another great story
A fantastic read, as are all of Conrad Jones' books. This has to be one of my favourites, along with Hunting Angels.
A fantastic read, as are all of Conrad Jones' books. This has to be one of my favourites, along with Hunting Angels.
March 27, 2025
Gruesome, violent and just plain nasty in places but a great enthralling read
April 8, 2025
exhilarating read
Wow, what a fantastic read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Didn’t work it out either which makes for a great read, trying to solve it
Wow, what a fantastic read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Didn’t work it out either which makes for a great read, trying to solve it
July 13, 2025
Not the Bailey’s!!
August 2, 2025
A fast paced, well written novel. Gruesome and brutal this is not for the faint hearted. A must read for any horror/ crime thriller fan.
September 5, 2025
Great read
This book was great from the start. Perfect amount of detail, without being too gruesome. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
This book was great from the start. Perfect amount of detail, without being too gruesome. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews